An interesting walk hugging the coastline and Llanrhidian Salt Marshes

The northern part of Gower is quite different from the dramatic cliff and beach scenery of the south – this is a gentle coastline dominated by the wide expanse of the Loughor Estuary, by mud flats and salt marshes.

Notably, Llanrhidian Marsh is an internationally recognised wildlife and bird habitat. Passing scattered hamlets and old farms, and at Weobley Castle, this section of the coast path links three very characteristic north Gower villages.

The Walk in detail

The Coast Path does not come through Llanmadoc as it detours some kilometres to the north via Whiteford Point. For this walk, alight at the Britannia Inn (GR 439934) and walk up the hill towards the village for 50 metres, turning into a cul-de-sac leading to a farm track joining the Coast Path at Pill Cottage. Turn right here* and skirt Landimore Marsh to seaward and North Hill Tor to landward.

*At high tide, the section across Llanmadoc Pill may become impassable. Retrace steps to Llanmadoc then via Cheriton/North Hills Farm to re-join path at GR 454938)

The path follows a level course below the steep cliffs through the hamlet of Landimore (GR 465934). From here it turns inland for about 200 metres, then left through a wicket gate leading through several fields before becoming a grassy path below Hambury Wood, a local nature reserve notable for its birdlife. Fortunately, there is very good signposting along this section which is devoid of clear landmarks.

Weobley Castle appears ahead in its commanding location and the Coast Path soon bisects a causeway leading from the road two kms out into Llanrhidian Marsh. Take this track (right) if you wish to visit Weobley Castle.

Continue along the path below the Castle alternating through dense woodland and open fields but all the time with the marsh to seaward and steep cliffs to landward.

Two farmhouses to seaward mark the start of Llanrhidian village and soon the path becomes a minor road into the centre of Llanrhidian village. There is a pub (Dolphin Inn) serving drinks and bar meals and a good stopping-off point before tackling the very steep climb (for a length of 500 metres) to Llanrhidian Cross (GR 498920) the main bus stop for buses back to Swansea.